Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aththai Magan

From Ullam Uruguthadi · 1984

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Ullam Uruguthadi1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aththai magan vanthaanaeMy aunt's son came
Aththanaiyum thanthaanaeAnd gave me everything
Aththai magan vanthaanaeMy aunt's son came
Aththanaiyum thanthaanaeAnd gave me everything
Female
Oor…..thoongum naeramthaam aahaanIt is the time when the town is asleep, aha
Naan…..yaengum vaelaithaanIt is the time when I long for him
Female
Aththai magan vanthaanaeMy aunt's son came
Aththanaiyum thanthaanaeAnd gave me everything
Female
Paruvam vanthaalaethaan mamaOnce youth arrives, cousin
Paattu katchcherithaanIt becomes a music concert
Thaalam thappaamaththaan paaduSing without missing the beat
Dhenamum ennodaththaanEvery day with me
Female
Shuruthiya saeththukkaiyyaTune the pitch, my dear
Sugaththa paaththukkaiyaa aahaa haanTake care of the pleasure, aha ha
Shuruthiya saeththukkaiyyaTune the pitch, my dear
Sugaththa paaththukkaiyaaTake care of the pleasure
Female
Sangeetha sangathiyum santhosa nimmathiyumMusical nuances and joyful peace
Undaaga kooda vanthu kettukkaiyyaaTo feel them, come alongside and listen
Podhuvaa inikkum medhuvaa mayakkumGenerally it is sweet, slowly intoxicating
MayakummmmIntoxicating...
Female
Aththai magan vanthaanaeMy aunt's son came
Aththanaiyum thanthaanaeAnd gave me everything
Female
Oor…..thoongum naeramthaam aahaanIt is the time when the town is asleep, aha
Naan…..yaengum vaelaithaanIt is the time when I long for him
Female
Aththai magan vanthaanaeMy aunt's son came
Aththanaiyum thanthaanaeAnd gave me everything
Female
Velakku vachchaalaethaan mamaOnly when the lamp is lit, cousin
Vegam undaaguthuPassion rises quickly
Paaya pottaalaethaan dhegamOnly when the mat is spread
Padukka maattenguthuThe body refuses to lie down
Female
Thanichchu irukkanumaaShould I stay all alone?
Pasichchu kidakkanumaa aahaanShould I remain hungry, aha?
Thanichchu irukkanumaaShould I stay all alone?
Pasichchu kidakkanumaaShould I remain hungry?
Female
Machchanum kitta vara malligaiyum mottu vidaAs my beloved comes near and the jasmine blossoms
Sinthaatha thaenai ellam sinthattumaaShall I spill all the unspilled honey?
Koduththaa eduppaen eduththaa koduppaenIf given, I will take; if taken, I will give
KoduppaennnI will give...
Female
Aththai magan vanthaanaeMy aunt's son came
Aththanaiyum thanthaanaeAnd gave me everything
Female
Oor…..thoongum naeramthaam aahaanIt is the time when the town is asleep, aha
Naan…..yaengum vaelaithaanIt is the time when I long for him
Female
……………………....

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic and playful song expresses the deep yearning and intimate desires of a woman longing for her beloved. Using rich musical metaphors such as pitch (shuruthi) and rhythm (thaalam), she poetically invites her partner to join her in lovemaking during the quiet night when the village sleeps. The lyrics capture her impatience and sensual awakening as night sets in. Through imagery of blossoming jasmine and overflowing honey, she describes the mutual exchange of love, passion, and emotional contentment.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Aththai magan vanthaanae / Aththanaiyum thanthaanae

The second consonant 'th' (த்) rhymes between 'Aththai' and 'Aththanaiyum'.

Extended Metaphor

Paattu katchcherithaan / Thaalam thappaamaththaan paadu

Intimacy and romance are metaphorized as a classical music performance requiring accurate beat and pitch.

Monaai (Initial Consonant Alliteration)

Sangeetha sangathiyum santhosa nimmathiyum

Repetition of the 'Sa' sound across words in the line ('Sangeetha', 'sangathiyum', 'santhosa').

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics composed by Vaali utilize traditional Tamil folk tropes where romantic interest is addressed via maternal cousin relationships (Aththai Magan / Machchan), layering sensual romantic themes over classical musical terminology.

Keep listening

More from Ullam Uruguthadi